Jaron Ennis promises a spectacular knockout of Uisma Lima on his half-court debut in Philadelphia.
At the official press conference in Philadelphia, Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Uisma Lima promised an electrifying fight when they face off at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday. It will be Ennis’ debut at half-middleweight (154 lbs) – live on DAZN worldwide.
Ennis, who unified the IBF and WBA welterweight titles in April, is aiming to enter a new weight class with the WBA interim belt. “I’m not here to play games,” said the 27-year-old local hero. “I’ll show on Saturday that there are levels in boxing. He’ll realize that I’m faster, stronger and better. It will be a spectacular knockout.” The Portuguese-Angolan Lima (17-0), who is fighting in the USA for the first time, was unimpressed: “I’m in the shape of my life, without fear. I know he’s an elite fighter – but so am I.”
Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn called the evening “the beginning of Ennis’ 154-pound era and the path to the future pound-for-pound king”. In addition to the main fight, a strong supporting program awaits, including Alexis Barriere vs. Guido Vianello in the heavyweight division and several up-and-coming US talents.
Text by Robin Josten